Md. Senate Votes To Keep DNA Collection On Arrests

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — The Maryland Senate has voted to extend a state law that allows police to take DNA samples from arrestees for certain violent crimes.

The Senate voted 39-7 to pass the bill on Thursday, sending it to Gov. Martin O’Malley who supports the law.

The law, which took effect in 2009, was set to expire in December. The measure extends it indefinitely.

The U.S. Supreme Court heard a case challenging the law earlier this year. The high court has yet to rule.

Opponents say the law violates a person’s right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures. Supporters say DNA is an important law enforcement tool and that cold cases have been solved under the law.